Source: Greenpeace
Iwi representatives from Taranaki have delivered a ‘trespass’ notice to seabed miners in Sydney today, warning the company against pursuing any future plans to pillage the seabed in Aotearoa.
Hand delivered by Rukutai Watene of Ngāti Ruanui, alongside Greenpeace Aotearoa, the notice was served peacefully at the headquarters of Manuka Resources – parent company of Trans Tasman Resources (TTR). Manuka Resources Co-Founder Haydn Lynch was on site but refused to engage with Watene or Greenpeace Aotearoa and shut himself in an office.
For over a decade TTR has been trying – and failing – to start an iron sand mining operation off the coast of Taranaki.
The notice “expels” the company from Taranaki, and comes after TTR withdrew from the Fast Track process after the panel issued a draft rejection of their seabed mining proposal earlier this month.
Rukutai Watene, who delivered the notice, says:
“We are here today to send a clear message that seabed mining is not wanted or needed in Aotearoa. We’ve fought Trans-Tasman Resources multiple times since 2014 and we’ve won every time, even at the Supreme Court. Article two of Te Tiriti o Waitangi guarantees Māori authority over our taonga. We will protect Papatūānuku, from the maunga to the moana. Seabed mining won’t ever take place on our watch.”
In February, the Fast Track Panel issued its draft decision denying TTR approval for its project. The decision was celebrated by the iwi, communities and environmentalists who have fought this mine every step of the way. Last week TTR announced they were withdrawing from the Fast Track process before the final decision was issued.
Juressa Lee, Greenpeace Aotearoa’s seabed mining campaigner says:
“This activity serves as a warning to Manuka and TTR: stay away, do not try to revive your plan, or expect resistance. The message from iwi, Taranaki locals, environmental groups and the New Zealand public has been united and clear for decades: no seabed mining is welcome in Aotearoa.”
“TTR has a habit of ditching official processes when they don’t go their way and exploring other “easier” avenues to resurrect their zombie project. We’re here to say any attempt to start seabed mining in Aotearoa – whatever avenues or workarounds mining companies try to use – will face strong resistance.”
In 2024, the company withdrew from the Environment Protection Authority consenting process right before the new Fast Track legislation was announced, providing TTR a new pathway.
Later that same year, Ngāti Ruanui and Greenpeace representatives interrupted Manuka’s AGM, calling for them to withdraw their seabed mining plans.
Lee says, “Even with pro-industry ministers desperate to help get seabed mining over the line, TTR has failed yet again to prove their project won’t destroy the ocean, violate indigenous rights or provide major economic benefits. They will never win against the people-powered movement who have staunchly resisted their ocean destruction.
“This company has been rejected numerous times, and it is time a line was drawn under this project. Political parties must commit to banning seabed mining in Aotearoa. Communities shouldn’t have to fight every single deluded miner that comes knocking.
“Across the Pacific, seabed mining companies are rushing to carve up the ocean for profit, including in the High Seas, and the domestic waters of nations such as the Cook Islands, Aotearoa and American Samoa.”
Lee adds that global powers including the Trump administration are also trying to make it easier for seabed mining companies to do this.
“The US is attempting to fast track mining permits, and pressuring states such as New Zealand to sign Critical Minerals deals. In response, the government has just announced a new minerals slush fund. It remains to be seen if TTR will try to use this to breathe life into their besieged project.
“Enough is enough. The courts have said no, iwi have said no, the community has said no, tens of thousands of New Zealanders have called for a ban.
“Now we need politicians to listen – commit to banning seabed mining and ensure that Aotearoa holds the line against this destructive industry from ever getting a foothold. The ocean is too precious to mine, and we must defend it.”
